When at a large watch fair such as Baselworld the term 'innovation' is used quite often. In most cases, it is debatable to what extent it is truly an innovation and not merely an improvement or another, but not necessarily better, way to solve a preexisting challenge. With the Zenith Defy Inventor, there is that some doubt, but differently. While we may indicate this watch, or more precisely its balance, as an innovation it is, in fact, closer to a revolution.

There are many ways to say 'I love you!' but giving a watch to your loved one is a way that lasts. Particularly for men, it is often one of the few items of jewellery that they wear, so it is a daily reminder of that someone special. But which one to choose? Especially in the last few years ceramic has turned from a trend into a staple in the watch industry. The material was pioneered in the watch industry by Rado and IWC, but now also an intricate part of the DNA of brands like Hublot and Zenith. It is light, scratch resistant and heats up to the same temperature as the skin quite fast. But while the choice for the material might be obvious, the specific model might still be a quest of its own in which these four suggestions might help.

Every year the SIAR, Salon Internacional Alta Relojeria, grows bigger. Held in Mexico-city, it is the stage on which bold new designs, often highlighting the unique culture of its host country are introduced. Also, this year we were not disappointed, with several incredible new watches, as well as interesting news!

Zenith has been making impressive watches since 1865, but many of us know the brand especially because of the El Primero. Launched in 1969, it was the world's first integrated, automatic chronograph movement, and because its balance oscillates at the frequency of 36.000 vibrations per hour, it can measure time up to a tenth of a second. For Zenith this accomplishment was however only an inspiration to push the envelope even further, which results today in a collection that is as extensive as it is impressive, and their following watches are Haute Time favourites!

Baselworld is always a place full of surprizes, some large and some small. One of those big surprises is the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde. This watch combines a jumping hour with retrograde minutes and a unique flying tourbillon.

It was one of the highlights of last year’s Baselworld: the Zenith Defy El Primero 21. While the El Primero itself has already set the standard of its chronograph to 5Hz/36.000 bpm in 1969, allowing you to measure with a 1/10th of a second accuracy, the El Primero 21 exceeds this tenfold. Running at a staggering 50Hz, the chronograph measures up to 1/100th of a second, and does so with a central seconds hand, which makes this accomplishment all the more tangible.

Continuing where we left off in Part I, these are the last of our ten favorite watches from this year's Baselworld watch fair!